tråler

A tråler (trawler) is a fishing vessel designed to deploy and tow trawl nets through the water or along the seabed to capture fish and other marine organisms. Trawlers vary in size from small coastal boats to large factory ships capable of processing and freezing catches on board. The main equipment includes winches, trawl drums, otter boards or doors (to keep the net open), and hydraulic systems for hauling and handling gear.

Types of trawling include bottom (demersal) trawling, midwater (pelagic) trawling, beam trawling, and pair trawling; specialized vessels target species such as shrimp, cod, or hake. Modern trawlers evolved from sail-powered boats in the 19th century to steam and diesel propulsion, and more recently to highly mechanized fleets with sonar, GPS, and electronic monitoring.

Trawling is productive but controversial because certain methods can cause seabed disturbance, habitat loss, and bycatch of non-target species. Management measures to reduce impacts include mesh size regulations, bycatch reduction devices, closed areas, gear modifications, seasonal closures, and quotas. Some innovations—such as selective gear, real-time monitoring, and alternative fishing techniques—aim to improve sustainability.

Beyond commercial fishing, the trawler form has influenced recreational and research vessels; “trawler yachts” borrow the hull shape and stability of working trawlers, and research trawlers are adapted for scientific sampling. Trålers remain an important component of global seafood supply and coastal economies.